Thursday, 15 May 2008

I can't help falling in love with you....

28 years ago, Hull came to a halt. A city, divided by a river, came together for a grand day out in Wembley.The Challenge Cup Final saw Hull FC and Hull KR face off for glory.

On May 3rd 1980, almost 100,000 - half the city - boarded the special trains and coaches to make the pilgrimage. By the side of the A63 by the Humber Bridge (signed off to win a by-election!) an improvised sign read ''last one out turn the lights off."

28 years later, Hull once again has its Wembley moment. The Twin Towers are no more but the thrill is just as strong. I never thought I'd see that day. But at the age of 37, after relegation seasons, false dawns and lock outs from Boothferry, City fans finally get THEIR big day out.

You don't like to think about the Murdoch money -60 million pounds in extra TV revenue, gate receipts and sponsorship - but a place in the greatest league in the world is its own reward.

The trips to Exeter, the bore draws, the battles with the taxman; by god we've earned this moment.

So let's relish every damn second of that walk down Wembley Way.

Because years ago we once sang a song that typified the Hull spirit. A bloody-minded, almost absurd aspiration, based on nothing more than a romantic dream.

"Flying high up in the sky, we'll keep the Hull flag flying high. From Boothferry to Wembley, we'll keep the Hull flag flying high."